The Woodland Trust is urging visitors to its woods to bin the barbecues this summer and avoid catastrophic fires on wildlife and nature.
The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity said fires on its sites over the past five years have caused millions of pounds worth of damage and had a devastating effect on rare woodland and wildlife.
It said many summer wildfires are started accidentally by lighting fires or disposable barbecues. But just one stray spark or an abandoned pile of dying embers can have horrendous consequences for the countryside, decimating wildlife and causing long-lasting damage, it said.
The Woodland Trust owns and cares for more than 1,000 woodland sites across the UK, including Garth Wood, Keswick and Church Plantation, Bassenthwaite.
Nick Hall, the trust’s head of health and safety, said it was imperative its sites are fire free.
“Fires have huge implications – both in terms of the financial burden and the effect on our woods and wildlife, which can be catastrophic,” he said.
He has witnessed the damage done by more than 30 fires across its sites since 2018 – the worst of which caused in excess of £1 million- worth of damage.
“One spark really can spell disaster: you’re gambling with the lives of people and animals by taking one on your summer outings.”
With the summer holidays beginning and the potential for prolonged periods of dry spells, the risk of wildfires significantly increases and they can easily get out of control, said the trust.
The “be cool, stay fire-free” message is part of the Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign which is encouraging people to enjoy their visit but help protect woods and nature for the future.
You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:
- Stay on the paths;
- Take dog mess and litter home with you;
- Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close;
- Stay fire free;
- Leave sleepovers to the wildlife;
- Be considerate with den building;
- Park with consideration for others;
- Swimming is for wildlife only;
- Woods aren’t good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
- Check access rules before cycling.
